Just over 20% of the fairer sex struggle with nerves ahead of take-off, but aviophobia hits only 12% of men.

“Fear of flying is very common,” said AA Director of Policy, Conor Faughnan.

“It may have something to do with the unknown or lack of control; someone you can’t see is controlling something you can’t operate.

“Realistically though, you’re quite safe, in fact the drive to the airport is more dangerous than the flight.”

Participants in the poll of more than 9,000 people were also asked what they used to tackle their fear.

It was found that women are more likely to resort to medication than men.

However, men were more likely to use alcohol to calm their nerves.

A third (33.3%) of women said they would take a sedative, anti-anxiety medication or a sleeping tablet compared to just 23.7% of men.

Some 24.3% of men had 1-3 alcoholic beverages before the flight compared to 21.6% of women.

Men were also more likely to drink alcohol during the flight to combat their fear of flying as 7.9% had more than three alcoholic beverages whilst in the air, with only 4.5% of women saying the same.

Mr Faughnan added: “Alcohol may allay the symptoms of fear and can help you doze off for a few minutes but it is inadvisable as it may increase your anxiety levels afterwards. Alcohol also has a different effect in the air than it does on the ground because of the altitude and low humidity.

“One glass of wine in flight is equivalent to nearly two on the ground, so you will get drunk more quickly.

“While actually being in a plane is fear enough for many people, there are other worries when it comes to flying. For example, losing your luggage or your passport, flight cancellations or missing a connecting flight.

"If you’re already fearful of the flight, having these concerns might leave you overwhelmed. Having travel insurance though, might just give you that bit of peace of mind.”

Many people try denying themselves sleep in advance of a flight so they can nod off in-flight. Some 8.6% of women preferred this approach compared to 5.5% of men.